Mr. George Oja, 81 years of age, of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2015 with his wife by his side.
George (Yrjo) was born in Haapajarvi, Finland on Friday, October 13, 1933. Arriving in Canada in 1954, he made Port Arthur his lifelong home.
He married Pirkko Niemi in 1957 and cherished his two children Leo and Leila. Yrjo-Pappa was proud of his grandchildren Tanya, Terry, and Torin. He achieved Regional Master Salesmen Status with the Chrysler Sales Guild before retiring in 1999 and made a real connection with many people while working at Lakehead Motors for 25 years.
George was a genuine individual who enjoyed the uncomplicated things in life. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing chess, and watching boxing. He was musically inclined and loved playing the accordion and singing with the Otava Choir. In his retirement years he enjoyed spending time with his coffee buddies at Robin’s.
Known to many as “Uncle George,” he was a well-liked person who made friends easily, and people enjoyed his sense of humour and special talents. He will be sadly missed by Pirkko, his wife of 57 years, his son Leo (Anita), his daughter Leila (Terry), and grandchildren Tanya (Leaf), Terry Jr. and Torin. He will also be missed by his brother-in-law Paul Niemi, his daughters Cheryl (Keith), Darlene (Mike), and Gayle (Dave), numerous family members and special friends here in Canada and many nieces and nephews in Finland.
George was predeceased by his parents, Hilda and Juho Hirvasoja, his brothers Veikko, Sven, Paavo Hirvasoja, and sisters Rauha, Siiri, and Anneli in Finland, and sister-in-law Marlene Niemi in Canada.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland officiated by Pastor Jari Lahtinen of Hilldale Lutheran Church.
Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the time of service. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in George’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
